We are constantly reminded that we live in a different world these days, and the challenges facing our children are daunting: bullying, cyber stalking, sexual abuse, and violence in all forms.

Our motto "Rebuilding Fragile Lives" emphasizes a focus on providing healing for women, children and youth who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect and abandonment as well as equipping them for a more positive and productive future.

Our children and youths can experience the same mental and emotional problems that adults do, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and grief. Symptoms of these disorders may manifest themselves differently in children, though. For instance, instead of becoming quiet and sullen, a child suffering from a mental disorder such as depression might have emotional outbursts or exhibit behavioral problems.

Yet, most people assume that childhood is a happy time, and tend to dismiss the fact that children often deal with stress and psychological issues. In fact, according to the Surgeon General, roughly 20% of children in the United States suffer from some sort of mental illness each year. Reports on nutrition, and violence—to name a couple—have heightened America's awareness of important public health issues and generated major public health initiatives.

And, there may be a number of causes for mental and emotional problems in children. These may include such things as meeting new people, divorce, death of a loved one, abuse, poverty, trouble in school, and trouble with peers. There is also evidence that some mental disorders are hereditary and caused by genetic factors.

Because children typically think differently than adults and have a different way of looking at the world, traditional adult psychologists and counselors might find it somewhat difficult to treat mental disorder in children. Additionally, cases of child abuse and neglect are far too common within our communities and contribute to mental illness in children and youths. While precise legal definitions vary across the United States, child abuse can broadly be defined as an act—or failure to act—that results in a child's serious harm or risk of harm, including physical or emotional harm, exploitation or death. Neglect occurs when a caretaker fails to provide for a child's basic needs. ​At Precious Petals Domestic Violence Ministry we want to be your partner in helping your child recover after a crime. We tailor our efforts to the distinct needs of each age group. For infants and toddlers, the primary risk is violence in the home. School-age children often face violence in their schools or are forced to work in the worst forms of child labor. Before they reach young adulthood, girls face the likelihood of child marriage and dropping out of school, and boys are at increased risk for gangs, violence and suicide. We are here to help; Whether the crime was against your child, the child witnessed a crime, or the child lost a loved one to crime there will be a recovery process.

First, determine whether your child shows signs of trauma and how you can help the child recover from trauma.

Finally, take a look at our frequently asked questions, resources and stories pages for a better idea of how we can help you help your child heal.

We help children and youths to understand the law and their own rights and responsibilities.

We help children and youths to become agents of change, advocating for themselves and others.

We work to strengthen women abilities to promote their children’s well-being within safe environments. This means educating women and caregivers about how to help advance their children’s development, and it also includes social and economic strengthening to build family stability.

We educate members of churches and the community and help raise awareness in these environments by creating and strengthening mechanisms that support children’s well-being and protection, such as child protection committees, date rape education, mothers and parent-teacher associations, teaching them to make effective use of local institutions responsible for preventing and responding to abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence that may affect their children and young adults.

We work with decision makers in upholding services and organizations in promoting the best interests of the child.

We advocate for community leaders to make protecting children a priority.

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Our agency is staffed by VOLUNTEERS and thus we are not always able to respond to non emergency phone calls and/or emails immediately but will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible. If you are concerned about your safety or are worried about a friend or family member, the National Domestic Violence hotline offers a confidential 24-hour hotline you can call anytime to receive information, emotional support, and emergency help: 1-800-334-2836.

The information provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only. The information provided under any of the topics is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and is not a substitute for contacting an experienced attorney. Click HERE to read Our Full Disclaimer